What Are You Hungry For?

Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness? Unlike other of the Beatitudes, this one merely promises what you really want: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Hunger and thirst are powerful natural yearnings for what are necessary for life: food and water. In a generally prosperous and bountiful place, we rarely experience hunger and thirst at their strongest, and that makes fully comprehending this promise somewhat harder. I believe it's referring to a strength of desire that virtually blots out every other want. People don't think much about sex when they are starving. A man in a desert far from the nearest oasis, on foot with no one anywhere close, isn't likely to worry about beating his top video game rivals.  It would be a bit strange for a lady to wonder if her favorite guy thinks she is pretty while she is dying from starvation or dehydration.

I am not aware of many Christians who truly hunger and thirst for righteousness, and frankly those so desiring this probably don't talk about it. They are probably people who hate their own sinfulness and pray not just for forgiveness but for God's help in not sinning. I'm guessing they would be remarkably kind and helpful people who strive to more than avoid harm but actively work to do good. They may be very quick to forgive others while being hard on themselves for even the smallest offenses.

I was recently complimented for being “a solid example of what it looks like to model one’s life after the life of Jesus.” I was humbled. I have thought about and taught people to be “Christ-like”, but I hardly imagine myself an example. I give God all the credit for whatever Christlikeness I possess and others may see. I just checked my spelling and found this, “The definition of Christlikeness is a person who has qualities like Jesus Christ. An example of Christlikeness is a kind, forgiving, sincere, caring and accepting person.” I do hope that describes me, but true Christlikeness and hungering and thirsting for righteousness? I'm just too aware of my shortcomings! I admit I struggle both to will and to do (or act):

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

So, I am grateful for this promise and blessed hope, that God is at work in me to motivate me to serve his purposes.  To God be the glory!

That is Jesus' promise in this Beatitude. He will work in those with an earnest desire for righteousness to satisfy them. Not only do I pray for him to fulfill his promise but for more believers to want righteousness more than anything else. What an impact they would have on this broken world!